Virtual Assistant 101: What Are VAs and What Do They Do?

The Business Manual spoke to a virtual assistant to get a better understanding of what VAs do and the value of hiring one for business leaders and entrepreneurs.  

Last February, a story about how a Filipina named Gilliane Azuro was able to meet Hollywood actor Zac Efron through a video call went viral. Azuro did not meet Efron through an online press conference or interview. She did not meet him through social media either. Instead, she met him through her work as a virtual assistant (VA). 

Azuro, as it turned out, is the virtual assistant of digital marketing influencer Caleb Davidge, who happens to be a good friend of Efron. 

While many gushed over how lucky Azuro was to talk to the Hollywood actor, others took interest in the job that paved the way for the meeting to happen to begin with. It then raised a myriad of questions. What exactly is a VA? What do they do? How do they look for clients? Is it a good source of income? For business leaders and entrepreneurs, do they need one in this day and age?

To get a better understanding of the work performed by virtual assistants, The Business Manual spoke to Jam Blauta, who has been working as a VA for five years and has helped connect other VAs and potential clients along the way. 

What Exactly Is a Virtual Assistant? 

In simplest terms, virtual assistants are “online secretaries,” according to Blauta. 

“Our role is to provide services to our clients remotely (online),” he explains. “Tasks depend on your specialization. You can be in the admin, marketing and creatives, sales or customer service side of it.” 

While there are multiple job postings made online by clients searching for potential VAs, Blauta started his career as a VA through agencies. From that point, he was able to talk about his life as a VA online, grow his community, and attain social proof.

“Now, I just get referrals and Linkedin invitations,” he says. 

To be a VA, Blauta emphasizes that computer skills are crucial for anyone hoping to make a career out of it. Communication skills and problem-solving skills are likewise important, as well as organization skills and self-leadership. 

The Ups and Downs of the Job

Given that the work of a VA is done purely online, it offers convenience as it can be done anywhere. Blauta shares that another advantage of the job is the pay as he says that it does pay higher than the usual. 

However, there are downsides too to this kind of work. According to Blauta, there can be negative effects on the VA’s health. Clients are usually located overseas, and the time zone difference and its implication on work hours may take a toll on one’s health. In addition, it can also be challenging to set work boundaries as “work is too accessible,” says Blauta. 

Blauta also points out that receiving straightforward feedback can be a challenge. “It can be insulting sometimes,” he explains. He’s also struggled with being ghosted by clients and receiving late payments. 

Despite these challenges, Blauta believes that becoming a VA “can be a stepping stone to more online business stints and opportunities.” 

“It can be a sustainable full time job and business,” he notes.

Tips for Those Considering a Career as a VA

For those looking to begin a career as a VA, Blauta recommends learning about the industry first before diving into it. 

Aspiring VAs should take the time to build their VA business plan, fill in skill gaps, and prepare an impactful profile. From there, aspiring VAs can start building a business system and generating leads. 

“Stepping inside this world is something we should focus on first. So it doesn’t matter if you don’t get that desired rate or time zone for now,” Blauta adds. “Everyone started somewhere. Just focus on gaining experience first and building your profile first, then demand later.”

When it comes to searching and working for clients, he reminds VAs to triple check for red flags. VAs are also recommended to background check clients and check if their clients’ moral values align with theirs. 

Should Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders Have Their Own VA? 

As for entrepreneurs and business leaders, Blauta recommends that they hire their own virtual assistants. 

“You get to focus on bigger things like scaling your business,” he says. “Let your VAs do the small tasks for you.”

When looking for a VA to hire, Blauta recommends that entrepreneurs and business owners should focus on the attitude of applicants as skills will eventually follow. He likewise recommends offering trial jobs to gauge the competency of the applicant instead of conducting long interviews. 

Blauta also has a reminder when it comes to the treatment of VAs. 

“Happy VAs mean happy business,” he says. “Treat them right, and they’ll take care of you.”